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Thornhill
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African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary
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African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary

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African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary
3.5
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Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
30 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
7
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
6
zimbotog
Fleet, Hampshire86 contributions
A good, simple day out to support wildlife welfare
Apr 2023 • Family
A shirt day trip to start our trip in the area. We found the sanctuary to be very interesting and varied, especially as so many of the birds and animals in enclosures are 'exotics' so should not be released into the wild. The birds and animals looked in excellent condition and their enclosures clean and well maintained.
The game drive was a little disappointing as the animals (blesbok, impala and zebra mainly) seemed skittish so disappeared the moment the vehicle appeared. We did not see the giraffe.
Otherwise a good experience and we hope their efforts on rehabilitation, conservation and animal welfare go from strength to strength.
Friendly staff and good food in their small cafe.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim M
Hellertown, PA227 contributions
Great family fun
Jul 2022
The bird and wildlife sanctuary was great fun for my family. You get up close and personal with many of the exhibits. The self-drive safari was even more fun as the park contains giraffe, zebra, impala (and other antelope), and monkeys roaming freely across 750 acres. Definitely a destination visit when traveling along the Garden Route.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom
1 contribution
Fun, memorable volunteering and so much more…
Nov 2021 • Solo
Wow! What an experience… Staff and the experience of working closely with animals was amazing. I volunteered here for 2 weeks and it was so good although be prepared for hard work but also satisfying once done. I really recommend AFRICAN DAWN please come here!
Written 22 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
890stanleyn
Sedgefield, South Africa9 contributions
Disappointing
Oct 2021 • Couples
It seems that most of the birds there as well as the animals that we saw (we focused mostly on birds) have been removed from their natural environments and put into enclosures for the amusement if the public. The snakes in particular are in dismal glass boxes in the entrance area. What kind of life is that for, for example, a python? The water in many of the enclosures was dirty, and there is one lone Toucan. If these birds and the Serval cats are being rehabilitated after injury or illness and are going to be returned to their natural habitat, all power to the sanctuary. However, one gets the distinct impression that this is not so. A wild animal or bird is better off dead than spending their lives confined for the sake of human entertainment. We were not issued with an info pamphlet and the info pages stuck the enclosures are often bleeched by the sun so that the print is no longer visible. A Rock Kestrel, a Coucal and a Kookaburra in one enclosure together.
We were given a pensioners' discount on enquiry for which we are grateful, but we felt very sad for the birds and animals in the enclosures. Its not right. In the year 2021 we surely know better than this.
Written 14 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenXXXXX
Port Elizabeth, South Africa873 contributions
GREAT FOR FAMILY OUTING
Jul 2021
All these years living in PE never previously been to African Dawn Sanctuary. What a great experience. So much to see and great to see that all of the animals are well looked after. We focused on the birds and lovely to see that most of the aviary's were of a size that allowed the birds some flight space. Really a great place to take children to and am sure very educational for them.
All in all a great experience and so glad that we went
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cashbook
Port Elizabeth, South Africa5 contributions
Educational
Sep 2019
The experience at the park itself was very educational and we enjoyed meeting all the animals and learning about them. The restaurant and little shop could use a bit of light and life, but they had cold refreshments for the hot day, so the basic need was met.

My son thoroughly enjoyed the playful birds and chickens that walked around freely.

From the main road, to get to the park was not a fun experience at all. I suggest driving an suv or 4x4 as the road is not made for light vehicles and my car took a bit of strain.
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa d
26 contributions
Wow, what a gem!
Apr 2019 • Family
What a wide variety of wildlife, we were pleasantly surprised. This place is a gem hidden away in the hills, ideal for families or couples. We couldn’t stop taking photos, definitely a must if u are in the area.
Written 28 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chane
Welkom, South Africa4 contributions
Very nice outing
Jan 2019 • Family
African Dawn makes for a very nice outing with the family. A wide variety of birds and animals. Animals are well taken care of.
Written 26 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonathan w
19 contributions
Incredible experience
Jan 2018 • Solo
I volunteered at African Dawn for three months and had the most incredible time. I was only supposed to stay for one month but ended up extending to three!
The animals are all well looked after and the staff truly care about the work they do.
If you're in the Eastern Cape and looking for something to do, visit Africa Dawn, it's perfect for a day out with the kids, a great photograph opportunity and a very rewarding experience if you decide to volunteer!
Written 19 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dulcie Fairweather
Wales, UK30 contributions
An oasis for wildlife
Mar 2018 • Solo
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out, look no further than African Dawn. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, budding photographer, enjoying family time or simply in need of some peaceful respite from everyday life - this little oasis provides a unique outing and experience for all ages.

The sanctuary is home to a diversity of creatures from cheetah and serval, to numerous bird species in the largest aviary in the Eastern Cape. These animals are happy, healthy and well looked after by a dedicated team of managers and volunteers.

The grounds are exceptionally well maintained and ultimately offers a peaceful setting to enjoy the atmosphere – you can even picnic/braai at your own leisure. Indeed, you can expect to share the company of wild rabbits, chickens, squirrels and tortoises.
Independently run, African Dawn may be small but it boasts a charming character and energy that will be sure to leave an impact.

All in all, I enjoyed a fantastic time at this sanctuary and I’ll be sure to visit again!
Written 13 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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AFRICAN DAWN BIRD AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary